Versatile Coconut Oil

Coconut has always been my favourite fruit. I grew up knowing coconut for its water and the meat inside; little did I know that many years later I would end up buying the oil and use it for everything. 

Beauty

Face

• Exfoliation: Clean your face, apply coconut oil on your face, wet a washcloth and gently rub on your skin. This will exfoliate your skin. For more exfoliation, add brown sugar or granulated sugar to the coconut oil, apply that on your skin and wash off with the wet washcloth. 
• Make up remover: Coconut oil is a great make up remover because it leaves your face hydrated after cleaning. Just apply it all over your face and eyes (for removing your eye make up), and then wash it off with warm water. For eye make up removing, use a clean pad to gently wipe the eye make up off. 

Body

• Moisturizer: After a shower, when your skin is still a little moist, apply coconut oil all over your legs, arms, and body. I recommend wiping off the excess with a towel to prevent your clothes getting stained. 
• Body scrub: Also, the oil mixed with granulated sugar can be used as an exfoliation product or body scrub in the shower. 

Hair

• Hair Mask: Before taking a shower, apply the oil on the ends of your hair and your scalp, put a shower cap and leave in for half an hour or so. Doing this once or twice weekly will keep your hair hydrated. 

Lips

• Chap stick: The oil is a natural hydrating tool and can be used on lips as chap stick. 

Cooking    

Coconut oil can replace butter, margarine, canola oil, or olive oil for cooking. "Coconut oil has recently been dubbed the “world’s healthiest oil.” Claims abound about its near-miraculous healing powers. It’s reported to dissolve kidney stones, lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, boost immune function, promote weight loss, protect against certain cancers and a whole lot more." (Beck, L. (2012, October 29). Coconut Oil for cooking: Is it good or bad for you? Retrieved from www.theglobeandmail.com/life/)

Enjoy! 

M. 

How To Wear Statement Necklaces

Whoever that watched this year's Oscars, noticed that the big trend on the red carpet was Statement Necklaces. One thing I love about this accessory is that you can keep your outfit as simple as possible and just add that little "statement" by wearing a necklace.




Some of my favourite statement necklace looks from the red carpet are:

Scarlet Johansson
Versace

Margot Robbie
Van Cleef & Arpels

Behati Prinsloo

Cate Blanchett
Tiffany & Co.

 

Zoe Saldana
Neil Lane Diamonds

Anna Wintour

I referred to keeping the outfit simple earlier. Here are a few examples of what I mean by that:

A simple coloured shirt paired with neon coloured necklaces.

Solid colours paired with multi colour necklaces

Black dress with elegant necklaces

M. 

Jeans Shopping Survival Tips

I am writing this blog because a friend asked me to write about jeans shopping and where to buy in Vancouver. Thanks to her for the suggestion.

I totally understand how difficult and traumatizing it could be to find the right pair of jeans for your body type. I, myself is not really a big fan of denim shopping, but I have found a few helpful points to make the shopping experience less stressful and more fun.


Before you even start heading to the stores, you should know a few things.

1. Know what type of jeans you are looking for. Are you looking for an everyday jeans that you can wear from morning coffee to going out at night? Are you looking for jeans that are just comfortable and loose? Are you looking for going out jeans? Jeans to wear at work that are not too tight?

2. Know what style of jeans are good for your body type. There are so many different styles of jeans these days. Based on what type you want, it would be easier to choose the style. These are a few examples of different styles:

 

Boyfriend cut
Straight cut
Boot cut
Flare cut
Wide leg
Skinny
Capri
Cropped
Low rise 
Mid rise
High rise





3. What jeans to invest in?
I personally believe that every girl should have one pair of dark jeans, one pair of lighter jeans, and one pair of black denim pants in her closet. The rest is based on your taste, whether you want white or colourful jeans in your closet as well (which I think you should!).

Dark jeans goes well with any type of shoes

• Dark jeans are good because they go with every outfit in your closet. You can match any coloured top with them. You can dress up or dress down dark jeans. 

• Lighter jeans are good for daytime, going out to brunch with friends, or going to daytime events. They go well with a pair of loafers, espadrilles, or sandals. 

• Black jeans are my to go jeans. Any day that I am having a hard time deciding what to wear, or if I know I will be out to different events for the majority of the day, I would wear my black jeans and match them with a dressy top to give it that fancy look. 

Cropped jeans (left) with flats
Black jeans (right) with sneakers, or any type of shoes

4. Know your size based on an older pairs of jeans you have, but keep in mind that different brands have different fits and hence sizes. So, do not think that you should stick to one size and if trying a different brand and your size is a little bit bigger, don't freak out! It's not you, it's the brand of jeans.








5. Vancouver jeans shopping guide:
My first choice of store for jeans shopping is Aritzia. They have a whole section for jeans, organized by colour and brand. So, if you know what style, type and colour jeans you want, the shopping process is easy at this store. Holt Renfrew also has a big section for jeans. dutil. is an all denim store in Gastown which offers a variety of selections. Blu Bird in downtown Vancouver brings new styles every often.
aritzia.com/en/new/new-jeans
www.holtrenfrew.com/shop/en/holt/search/women-denim
www.dutildenim.com
blubird.ca


Happy Jeans Shopping.

M.

The Outfits I Want From NYFW

In light of New York Fashion Week 2015, I have a gathered a collage of my favourite dresses of the runway.

Oscar de la Renta

With Peter Copping taking over the creative design department at Oscar de la Renta, the changes in the designs are pretty noticeable. As Robin Givhan says in The Washington Post: "There is a sportier undertone and a bit more nonchalance in styling." (Givhan, R. (2015, February 18) NYFW: How does the next chapter at Oscar de la Renta look, now that Oscar is gone? Retrieved from  www.washingtonpost.com)

Narcisco Rodriquez

As always, I love the precise fit of his clothes and the asymmetry of the skirts. 

Marchesa

I couldn't choose which dress in this collection I liked. Marchesa is one of my favourite designers and I love every single piece of the collection. 

3.1 Phillip Lim

I loved how he used layerings in this year's collection. 

"The collection had elements of grunge with all the plaid pieces. Asymmetry by way of handkerchief hems and sloping cuts was also a theme. It was a collection that had street style written all over it." 

(Careon, B. (2015, February 17) NYFW Fall '15: Tommy Hilfiger, 3.1 Phillip Lim. Retrieved from www.forbes.com/sites/bluecarreon)

Proenza Schouler

I like the off shoulder, with the zig zag design, which also fits the body perfectly. 

M. 

Get Some Sleep Tonight

When was the last time you got at least eight hours of Zzz?

Research has shown that women need two hours more of sleep than men. "Scientists say women suffer more than men, both mentally and physically, if they are forced to skimp on their sleep." 

(Daily Mail. (2013, December 21). Duke University scientists find women need more sleep than men. Retrieved from www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health.) 

Here are a few steps to try throughout the day to help with a good night sleep:

• Skip Snoozing

Don't snooze in the morning. Snoozing makes your body and brain confused. When your alarm goes off, your brain gets the message that it is time to wake up. When you snooze, the brain gets the wrong message that it should go back to sleep, which is not that deep. This makes your body more tired. I have never used my snooze button. I always set my alarm the latest time I can wake up, and I get up as soon as it goes off. 

• Don't Just Wake Up... Get Up

As soon as your alarm goes off, get out of bed. 

• Morning Exercise

Exercise in the morning. I always feel like the later I work out in the day, my body will be full of energy by the time it's bedtime and I have a harder time going to sleep. 

• Eat Carbs

Who doesn't like to eat carbs?! Eating carbs for dinner helps your body relax and go to sleep better. There is a reason carbs are called "comfort food". But give yourself at least three hours before going to bed after eating carbs. 

• Read A Book

Reading before bed helps the brain escape all the day's activities. I find that reading a novel or a memoir would help me fall asleep sooner.

• Avoid The Lights 

Get rid of all the lights and glare in your bedroom, such as cell phone lights, laptops, tablets. If you put your cell phone as far to your bed as possible, not only will this help with the sleep process, but it also will make you get out of bed in the morning to turn that alarm off. 

• Stay Cool

Sleeping in a cool bedroom is more pleasant than in a hot room. 

• Shake It Off

Leave your worries and anything that's on your mind out of the bedroom door. I find that writing down whatever that's on my mind, will it be any worries, tomorrow's to-do list, etc, helps to get them off my mind, before bed. 

• Apps

Using sleep tracking apps helps you know more about your sleeping habits. The one app that I like is Sleep Time, free on iTunes. It analyzes your sleep, the depth of your sleep, how long of a deep sleep you had, what times were you awake during the night and lots more. I use this app to know about when I woke up during the night, why I woke up and if there is anything I can do to lower that amount. 

M.

Keeping A Fresh Face On The Flight

As I mentioned in my last blog, I have been travelling a lot over the past year. For the first few times, I felt that getting off the flights, my skin had breakouts for no reason and it just felt so dry. So, I started to pack a few items that might help keeping my skin fresh during the flight and after.

Lancome Youth Activating Serum
YSL Radiant Touch Concealer
Chanel Healthy Glow heer Powder

Here is what I found out through experience:

• Eating at the airport is the worst. There are no healthy choices and if you find a salad place, the ingredients are so old that you don't even feel healthy by eating them. I would always take an energy bar with me, or two, and avoid the airport food. 

• Water...water...water...Need I say more?

• Avoid wearing heavy makeup on the flight. A simple moisturizer would do, and perhaps when you land you can apply a little blush to look fresh. 

• Always take that eye mask with you. This will help with a better sleep, and we all know even an hour of sleep would make you energized for when you land. 

• I am sure almost all of us had that person sitting next to us wearing lots of perfume and we have to tolerate that for the whole flight. Wearing perfume not only does not have a pleasant smell in the plane air, but it also makes your skin more dry. 

• Having a hydrating face oil during the flight helps with the dryness of the skin. I would apply that a few times while on board. 

• We all know that flight seat handles are really dirty. So make sure you wash your hand before touching your face for applying moisturizer. 

• Using a hand cream constantly, also helps the skin to be hydrated at all times. 

Now fasten your seat belts and get ready for looking beautiful on the flight. 

M. 

Nine Tips To Travel Light

There was a time not too long ago when airlines were not as strict on the weight of the luggage as they are now. For the past five years or so, even a two pound over weight luggage would be subject to a charge. 

Having travelled a lot between U.S.A and Canada over the past year, I have learned a few tricks of how to pack light.

1. Spinner Luggage

First thing I did was to purchase an expandable medium size spinner luggage for the easiest transportation. 

2. Wear Heaviest Clothes On The Road

If I am heading to somewhere that needs jackets and bulky pieces of clothing, I would try to wear the heaviest ones on the road. Some examples are jeans, sweater, heavy jacket and scarf. I can always put them in the overhead compartments on the plane, in case I don't need them. 

3. Pants

I would pack only a couple of pairs of pants that I can dress up or dress down. 

4. Layering

A couple of T-shirts, a few tops, a couple of dressy shirts and a few sweaters. 

5. Shoes

Depending on where the destination is, I would take shoes based on the activities. 

For going to a tropical destination:

• Exercise shoes
• Two to three sandals
• Flip Flops

For going to a cold destination:

• A pair of exercise shoes
• A pair of high knee boots
• A pair of ankle boots
• A pair of high heels that can be matched with any outfit in your luggage 

6. Hair Products 

Being a girl with long hair, I understand how difficult it is to decide what products to pack. I usually either take my hair straightener or curling iron, and use the blow dryer in the hotel. 

As for products, I only take Moroccan oil that can serve as a frizz control and gives your hair the shine it needs. 

7. Make Up

What to pack: moisturizer, concealer, foundation, two lip colors (one neutral, one darker), a blush, eye liner, mascara. 

8. Bags

One Tote bag on the road, one shoulder bag for day activities and one clutch to dress up at night. 

9. Carry-On 

Use that carry on space to put a few pieces of clothing in, in case your luggage goes missing, so you are not left with no clothes when you arrive to your destination. 

Safe Travels!

M.

Love & Heart Day

I personally believe that Valentine's Day is an excuse to let your loved ones know that you love them. Think about it: How often do you let people around you know you love them? We are all so busy with our lives that we take these three simple words, I LOVE YOU, for granted.

Valentine's Day is also a day to be creative with your sweetie and to think out of the box. I think going to dinners and expensive gifts are fine, but why not spend that money on doing something unique and make good memories! Here are my top ten favourite date ideas for this special day:

❤️ Dinner Reservation At Home

Cooking together not only brings you closer, but also you can have fun with it. Pick a new recipe that none of you had made before, make it from scratch together and have a romantic night in.

❤️❤️ Relax 

Book a couple's massage, go to a spa and spend a few hours there enjoying the relaxing environment.

❤️❤️❤️ Dance The Night Away

Perhaps after having dinner in, go to a club and dance all night.

❤️❤️❤️❤️ Dessert Competition

Each make one of your favourite desserts and have a competition to see which one is better.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Artsy For The Day

You can make Valentine's Day gifts for each other. This brings out your creative personality, as well as a fun project together.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Staycation

Reserve a room at a high star hotel in your own city. Not only this changes your scenery for a day, but also gives you the feeling of a vacation.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Breakfast In Bed

Who does not like to have breakfast in bed? Maybe volunteer or surprise your love by making a beautiful tray of breakfast in bed. This also has a reverse effect: He will learn to do it for you next  time.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Romantic Scavenger Hunt

Leave your sweetie clues throughout the day that leads to a romantic night.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Picnic and Sunset 

Pack up a nice romantic picnic set, with a bottle of wine or two, and head to an observation point where you can watch the sunset together.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Movie Night 

Watch a romantic movie, like Fifty Shades of Grey , released Friday February 13.

Have a happy Valentine's Day.

M. 

Eight Essential Make Up Products

Friday at last, and therefore the weekend gatherings, parties, and socializings. Today's blog post is conveniently about makeup and beauty. What products are better to invest in and what products you can purchase at the drugstore?!

Over the years, I have come to the conclusion that once you find the best makeup for your skin type, you are all set for life (That is if you are lucky and the product does not get discontinued). Lately, I have become a huge fan of Bobbi Brown. Even though its products are a little pricy, I believe they are worth every penny for the following reasons:

• Once you apply the products, you don't have to worry about re-applying all day long.
• They will last you for a long time and will not get staled.
• They have that light, natural feeling on your skin.

Below I am listing eight makeup essentials that every girl should have, some of my favourite products and my suggestions on whether to buy them at the drugstore or invest more in them:

Mask: My favourite mask is Lancome Purifying Mineral Mask With White Clay. If used once every week, you will have clean pores and smooth skin. This can be purchased at any drugstore.

Moisturizer: One that I have been living by is Dior Hydra Life moisturizer. This can be purchased at www.sephora.com. Investing in a good moisturizer makes your skin feel young and fresh.

Brushes: I believe investing in good quality brushes is worth it. Since it is suggested to clean your brushes after every three uses, a good quality brush will not shed after each clean and will last you a long time. Sephora brand and Bobbi Brown are my to-go brushes.

Foundation: Foundation should feel light and natural on your skin. YSL foundations have proven these two points on my skin. I can go all day without feeling heaviness on my skin.

Concealer: This is the most important part of the makeup process for me. Whether you want to do a quick makeup or not, a good concealer is essential. I believe it is a good idea to invest in a concealer. My favourite is Bobbi Brown, where I mix two colors for the fresh effect under my eyes. I have actually got compliments that I look fresh and well rested, when I have my concealer on.

Mascara: Durgstores have so many good brand mascaras. Since it is suggested to change your mascara every three to four months, I always purchase my mascara at drugstores for a better price.

Lip Colour: Like Mascara, Lipsticks do not need to be super expensive. Covergirl has so many choices of lip color that you purchase a few for a good price and not regret it if you only use once.

Cleanser: No matter how tired I am at night, I can not go to bed without washing my face. I have been using Lancome Clarifying Cream-To-Foam Cleanser, which leaves my face gentle at the end of each night. A small amount goes a long way, so this will last you a long time.

TGIF... Have a fabulous weekend beautiful people!

M.

Winter Layering

We still have about another ninety days of Winter. So why not make the last uses of those coats, boots, sweaters and jackets in your closet! This should not go without saying that some of the best Winter clothing sales have already started or will start soon.

Some of the sales that I know of are:
Holt Renfrew 'Now or Never Sale' (Up to 80% Off)  www.holtrenfrew.com
Aritzia 'Fall/Winter Merchandise' (30-60% Off, Online and In Store) www.aritzia.com
Club Monaco (Extra 30% Off Sale + Clearance, Online and In Store) www.clubmonaco.com
Bloomingdale's (Now Shipping To Canada) www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/sale

Living in Vancouver has taught me that, in Winter, layering is the way to go. The good thing about layering is that you can use every piece in your closet.

Here are Eight layering ideas.

Zara Nude Top
26 Dark Blue Skinny Jeans
TopShop Denim Shirt
DVF Scarf
Stuart Weitzman Flat Ankle Boots

Zara Tie-Neck Off White Shirt
360Sweater Oatmeal Color

Club Monaco Sweater Dress
Club Monaco Jacket

DIANEvonFURSTENBERG Sleeveless Dress 

Zara Winter White Knee Length Skirt
Stuart Weitzman Suede Ankle Boots (1.5" Heels)

Wilfred Cream Sweater
Club Monaco Flare Skirt
Spanx Black Tights
Maje Jacket
Jimmy Choo Suede Ankle Boots (90mm Heels)

Rag & Bone Skinny Black Pants
haute hippie LOVE Sweater
Stuart Weitzman 5050 Knee High Leather Boots

Club Monaco Black Fedora Hat
Wilfred Free Knee High Dress
Stuart Weitzman Flat Ankle Boots 

Let's enjoy the last days of Winter, before welcoming Spring.

M.

Destination Wedding Guide

Wedding Season is fast approaching. We are already invited to four weddings this year.

One of the weddings that I am super excited for is my best friend's, which will be a destination wedding in Mexico. We spent hours and hours in planning, coming up with bridesmaid dress ideas, and bachelorette party ideas in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.  

I will share with you some of the decisions we made. I am sure this will help so many wedding guests who are planning to attend a destination wedding.

Rules for Bridesmaids Dresses at destination weddings:

• Short is always easier, considering the humid weather and sandy grounds.
• No or very low high heels make your life so much easier.
• It will be ideal if your dress material is: cotton, linen or rayon, to avoid humidity and wrinkles.
• If each bridesmaid goes with a different color, that would make the pictures much more happier.

Six dress examples to wear to a beach wedding:

Jealous Tomato Floral Print Dress

BCBGMAXAZRIA High Low Dress

Jovani One Shoulder Dress

BCBGMAXAZRIA Strapless Runway Dress

Maje Black Tunic Style Pattern Dress 

Mason Yellow One Shoulder Maxi/Crop Dress

Some Bachelorette party ideas at destination weddings:
Day Activities 

Snorkeling

Horseback riding at a ranch 

Tequila Distillery Tours and Tequila tasting 

Swimming with Dolphins

Spa and Massage at the resort
Renting a boat for a day and do some water activities

Night Activities

Karaoke

Coco Bongo (An Entertainment club in Cancun)
A nice dinner followed by dancing at the resort or a local club

Have a happy wedding season!

M.